Spring has sprung: Flowers are blooming, the weather is warmer, and afternoons are spent outside. In addition to more bearable temperatures, spring also motivates many homeowners to begin home improvement projects.

This year, as part of your home upgrade, why not consider smart home technology? Integrating security with advanced technology, a smart home provides protection for you and your family, while giving you the ability to remotely control devices in your home and monitor what’s going on when you’re away – all from your smartphone or tablet.

Here are three reasons why you should add comfort, convenience and security to your home this spring.

Spring into security
Not only is security a critical component of smart home technology, it’s also one of the most popular features among homeowners. A survey released by the Consumer Electronics Association reported that 62 percent of consumers interested in smart home technology were initially intrigued by the security aspect.

The appeal of enhanced home security systems stems from their user-friendly design and convenient lifestyle-enriching benefits such as remote monitoring and control. For instance, if your home is equipped with an enhanced security system, you’ll never have to wonder it’s armed or if the doors are locked. Simply log in on your smartphone, tablet or other web-enabled device, check the status of your home and secure it with the push of a button.

Pull the plug on high energy bills
Whether it’s leaving the lights on, forgetting to adjust the thermostat before your week-long vacation, or those pesky appliances referred to as “energy vampires,” there are many ways energy can be wasted in your home. Fortunately, you don’t have to dine by candlelight to combat high energy bills; you just need a little technology.

Many homeowners using smart home technology as an energy management solution have reported up to 30 percent savings on their monthly utility bills. You can keep your home running efficiently by managing your thermostat, lights and appliances via the web. It’s an easy way to conserve energy and save money.

Utilize life-saving home alerts
Fire, burglary and carbon monoxide poisoning are just a few events that can destroy your home or threaten the lives of loved ones. Fortunately, enhanced home security systems give you advanced warnings that can help protect what’s important to you.

Through instant alerts sent directly to your smartphone, you can be notified the moment your security or smoke alarms are activated or bypassed. In addition, you can program surveillance cameras within your home to send a live video feed from the zone in which the alarm has been triggered. This real-time technology allows you to react quickly and stay up-to-date during emergency situations.

No matter how you decide to upgrade the technology in your home this spring, it’s important to find a company that is both qualified and trusted within your community. The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has many members that are home control experts. These security companies are committed to high standards of expertise in enhanced interactive systems. To find a local ESA member, click "get quote," enter your zip code, answer a few simple questions and get matched up with a company in your area that can design a system that works with your lifestyle and budget.

This year, ditch the plans to rebuild the deck. Instead, invest in smart home technology that will actually improve your life while giving your home an upgrade that will make the neighbors jealous.